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Mountain Mama Natural Foods

Mountain Mama, a family-owned natural food store on the west side, finished second in this competition 14 times before taking our top prize. But to many locals it has always been No. 1. Jeff Fuller, the general manager, says the store has been around 35 years. He's been here for over 20, as one of many long-time employees. That's part of what makes Mountain Mama special. Another part: "We try to carry brands that we test and that we believe in," Fuller says. "We do our research and as far as, like, food and supplements and vitamins, we try to provide Colorado Springs with a really good way to sustain their health." Fuller says the reward for that has been steadily increased business, even as bigger, shinier competitors have moved in. — J. Adrian Stanley